The Molecular Phylogenetic Signature of Clades in Decline
Author Information
Author(s): Tiago B. Quental, Charles R. Marshall
Primary Institution: Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (USP)
Hypothesis
Can molecular phylogenetic signatures reveal declining diversity in clades?
Conclusion
Molecular phylogenies of clades in decline can show a signature of decreasing diversification rates, which may be misinterpreted as evidence for diversity-dependent diversification.
Supporting Evidence
- The fossil record shows that many clades have been in decline for a significant part of their history.
- Molecular phylogenies may misrepresent declining diversity as diversity-dependent diversification.
- The γ statistic can indicate a decrease in diversification rates when clades are in decline.
Takeaway
This study shows that some groups of animals are losing diversity over time, and their family trees might look like they are just growing slowly instead of actually declining.
Methodology
The study used computer simulations to model the diversification dynamics of clades and analyzed the γ statistic to assess changes in diversification rates.
Potential Biases
The reliance on extant species in molecular phylogenies may introduce a bias towards interpreting data as indicating increasing diversity.
Limitations
Current methods for inferring diversification dynamics do not account for declining diversity, which may lead to misinterpretations.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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